New Zealand Golf legend Greg Turner will make his debut in a senior professional event on Friday morning (NZL time) when he tees it up at the 74^th Senior PGA Championship in St Louis Missouri.

The 50-year-old Otago professional, who retired from competitive golf in 2004 when he was ranked inside the top 200 players in the world, has been preparing to compete in the senior ranks since dusting off his clubs to play in the Harewood Open on The Charles Tour last October.

Turner will play in his first senior major championship at the renowned Bellerive Country Club, which is hosting the Senior PGA Championship for the first time.  It is his first major championship since he missed the cut at the 2001 Open Championship.

He will tee off the first hole alongside American Lee Rinker and Japanese senior pro Kiyoshi Murota at 7:45am (local time) as the only Kiwi in the field.

Turner will once again rub shoulders with many household names in world golf. Two-time Senior PGA Champion Tom Watson and two-time PGA Champion Nick Price, who won the 1992 PGA Championship played at Bellerive, are in the field alongside two-time U.S. Open winner Andy North.

In his comeback Turner has shown that he has lost none of his cunning or shot-making ability.

He finished in a share of 25^th place at the Harewood Open on the Charles Tour and was in contention at the halfway stage of the BMW NZ Open at Clearwater before fading in the final rounds with 79 and 75 to finish tied 62^nd. 

Turner will take a lot of confidence from his most recent result of note. He finished in a share of 14^th place at the New Zealand PGA Pro-Am Championship at The Hills in March.

The 1984 NZ PGA Champion shot rounds of 71, 68, 67 and 71 for an 11 under par four-round total to be only eight shots back from the winner Michael Hendry. 

He will look to become the first Kiwi to win the Senior PGA Championship and a senior major championship title. Sir Bob Charles won 23 times on the Senior PGA Tour, or The Champions Tour as it is now known, but never claimed a senior major championship.

At his peak in the 1980s and 90s Turner won four times on the European Tour and five times on the PGA Tour of Australasia. His best result in a major was a tie for seventh at The Open Championship in 1996 at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club where Charles famously claimed the Claret Jug in 1963.

Click here for full golf story and golf news source Marsh to redesign RACV Royal Pines

Click here for full golf story and golf news source Australia's most under-rated golf courses

Click here for full golf story and golf news source Discover Australia's top golf courses

Click here for full golf story and golf news source SNAG® Offers Golf’s Version of T-Ball for Juniors

Click here for full golf story and golf news source China's tropical golfing paradise beckons as Asia Golf Tourism Convention heads to Mission Hills Haikou in 2014

Click here for full golf story and golf news source Chinese 14-year-old will tee it up in Memorial

Click here for full golf story and golf news source Michigan Golf Hall of Fame inducts three, continues search for permanent home

Click here for full golf story and golf news source The basics of marketing your club

Click here for full golf story and golf news source Golf's governing bodies have confirmed the anchor putter ban, impacting Australia's Adam Scott

Click here for full golf story and golf news source Tourism drive attempts to hook big-spending overseas golfers

Click here for full golf story and golf news source Vendetta theory in former golf club attacks

Click here for full golf story and golf news source Plans for golf course amended

St Andrews, Scotland and Far Hills, NJ, USA (21 May 2013): The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA), golf’s governing bodies, today announced the adoption of Rule 14-1b of the Rules of Golf that prohibits anchoring the club in making a stroke. The new Rule will take effect on 1 January 2016 in accordance with the regular four-year cycle for changes to the Rules of Golf.

Rule 14-1b, which was proposed on 28 November 2012, has now been given final approval by The R&A and the USGA following an extensive review by both organisations. The decision to adopt the new Rule came after a comprehensive process in which comments and suggestions from across the golf community were collected and thoroughly considered.

The R&A and the USGA have prepared a detailed report to explain the reasons for the decision to adopt Rule 14-1b. The report explains the principles on which the Rules of Golf are founded, why freely swinging the entire club is the essence of the traditional method of stroke, and why anchoring is a substantially different form of stroke that may alter and diminish the fundamental challenges of the game. It points out that the Rule will still allow the use of belly-length and long putters and that a wide variety of types of strokes remain for players to use. The report concludes that the new Rule should not adversely affect participation in the game, that it is not too late or unfair to require players to comply with it and that it will remove concerns about any potential advantage that anchoring provides. It also makes clear that one set of Rules is essential to the future health of the game. The report, entitled Explanation of Decision to Adopt Rule 14-1b of the Rules of Golf, can be found at www.RandA.org/anchoring or at www.usga.org/anchoring.

Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A said: “We took a great deal of time to consider this issue and received a variety of contributions from individuals and organisations at all levels of the game. The report published today gives a comprehensive account of the reasons for taking the decision to adopt the new Rule and addresses the concerns that have been raised. We recognise this has been a divisive issue but after thorough consideration we remain convinced that this is the right decision for golf.”

“Having considered all of the input that we received, both before and after the proposed Rule was announced, our best judgment is that Rule 14-1b is necessary to preserve one of the important traditions and challenges of the game – that the player freely swing the entire club,” said USGA President Glen D. Nager. “The new Rule upholds the essential nature of the traditional method of stroke and eliminates the possible advantage that anchoring provides, ensuring that players of all skill levels face the same challenge inherent in the game of golf.”

The current Rule 14-1 of the Rules of Golf will be re-numbered as Rule 14-1a, and new Rule 14-1b will be established as follows:

14-1b Anchoring the Club

In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either “directly” or by use of an “anchor point.”

Note 1:  The club is anchored “directly” when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm.

Note 2:  An “anchor point” exists when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.

Rule 14-1b will not alter current equipment rules and allows for the continued use of all conforming golf clubs, including belly-length and long putters, provided such clubs are not anchored during a stroke. The new Rule narrowly targets only a few types of strokes, while preserving a golfer’s ability to play a wide variety of strokes in his or her individual style.

The 1 January 2016 timetable for implementation also provides an extended period in which golfers may, if necessary, adapt their method of stroke to the requirements of the new Rule.

David Rickman, Executive Director of Rules and Equipment Standards at The R&A, said: “This Rule change addresses the future and not the past. Everyone who has used an anchored stroke in the past, or who does so between now and 1 January 2016, will have played entirely within the Rules and their achievements will in no way be diminished.”

“The discussion around the Rule has been very helpful, and we appreciate that so many different perspectives were offered,” said USGA Executive Director Mike Davis. “We know that not everyone will agree with the new Rule, but it is our hope that all golfers will accept that this decision is reasoned and motivated by our best judgment in defining the sport and serving the best interests of the game.”

For more information about the adopted Rule, including a demonstration video, photos, infographics, and a Guidance Document for Players and Officials, visit www.RandA.org/anchoring and www.usga.org/anchoring.

Click here for full golf story and golf news source New pro has big plans

Click here for full golf story and golf news source Drive to get golf top of tourist wish list

Click here for full golf story and golf news source McIlroy to Set up Own Management Group

Click here for full golf story and golf news source The Way Forward For New Zealand Golf?

New Zealand No.1 Michael Hendry and former Japan Tour professional Richard Lee left the Muriwai Beach Links last week impressed by two of the up and coming amateurs of New Zealand Golf.

Hendry and Lee played alongside Northland teenager Kadin Neho in the final two rounds and were raving about the talent of the recently crowned New Zealand Amateur Champion who finished third, only four shots back.

Hendry, who won the event by two shots from Lee, was also impressed by the ball-striking prowess of Waikato amateur Luke Toomey who was his playing partner in the opening two rounds. 

The two-time NZ PGA Champion believed both players had the potential to forge long and successful careers in the game.

“If you look at those two guys it is clear that there is great talent coming through the New Zealand Golf system and it is exciting for the future,” said the World No.158.

Hendry said both Toomey and Neho have some special qualities at a young age.

“[Kadin] is pretty decent. He has a lot of strength, a lot of speed, hits the ball a long way which is a massive advantage. A lot of guys never attain that sort of distance and they struggle throughout their careers as a result of that.

“To have that sort of distance as a young man is a huge advantage and it means he will probably go a long way in the game if he just works on tidying up some of the rough edges of which there are not many at all. He has got a big future if he wants it.”

Lee, who played with Neho for all four rounds, echoed those comments. The 17-year-old from the Whangarei Golf Club was the first Northlander to win the NZ Amateur and backed it up with his best stroke play result in a national event.  

“First of all he is young and he has just won the NZ Amateur in match play and then two weeks later he has come out and played really well in a stroke play event,” said Lee. “It shows he is mentally strong and able in both phases of the game.

“He has a good head on his shoulders. He didn’t get upset once and didn’t get over-excited once as well. He was really calm and that is quite a hard thing to do especially as a young fella.

“He just hits it good. He is a great iron player.  There are only a few people that when they hit the golf ball you can hear a great iron shot. When Kadin hit it you could really hear the shot and you knew that it is was just a pure strike. He did everything well.”

Hendry had similar praise for Toomey who shot an 11 under par 61 at Manawatu in qualifying for the NZ Amateur Championship.

“I was really impressed by Luke. In the first round he gave me a lesson in ball striking. I was hitting it everywhere and my putting saved my round but he was driving the ball great and his iron play was just as good. It was great to watch. He showed me how to do it and I just had to follow his lead really. I like how he plays with confidence and he attacks the course.

“I can’t figure out why he hasn’t done more in the game so far because he is an incredible talent and has a big future ahead of him.” 

The experience of playing with two of our leading professionals was not lost on Neho and Toomey who spent the weekend at the St Peters Golf Academy for the National Academy and Development Squad camps run by New Zealand Golf.

“I took a lot of confidence out of my New Zealand Amateur win and that really helped me this week,” said Neho who finished in third place and leading amateur by five shots.

“It was a bit unbelievable actually hearing those guys talk up my ability but it feels good and it gives me confidence.”

Toomey, who faded on the weekend to finish tied 28^th, also learned a great deal from the two-time champion.  

“Mike is the highest ranked golfer in the country but playing with him didn’t faze me. Although we had never met each other, we had heard a lot about each other, which was nice that he knew some of my achievements. I was comfortable out there and I enjoyed the chance to play with him.”

The Waikato rep was buoyed by his recent selection in the National Academy.

“I am running on a bit of a high at the moment. I am really excited about the next 365 days with the support of New Zealand Golf behind me now.”

Hendry and Lee offered some simple advice for Neho and Toomey going forward.

“I suppose the one thing that we have to be wary of is not expecting too much out of them and not drumming it into them that they have to do certain things. They are pretty close as it is to the standard required to play professional golf. That slow steady progression would be the way to go rather than trying to reinvent the wheel if something goes wrong. They do everything in my eyes pretty well so it is just improving those little things as they go along and they will definitely be there in a few years.”    

Lee added: “I told [Kadin] after the last round to just keep doing what he is doing. To make sure that he works with the same coach, don’t go off around the world to see swing gurus or anything like that just keep doing what he is doing because you get messed up sometimes.

“If he keeps doing what he is doing at the moment then he’ll keep improving and become a very good player. Kadin and other kids should play in everything they can. If they want to turn pro they need to believe in themselves.”

Click here for full golf story and golf news source Int'l Golf coach to run training courses in Iran

He has been nominated by the past Captains of the Club and will begin his year in office with the traditional driving-in ceremony on the first tee of the Old Course at 8am on Friday, 20 September 2013. He succeeds Frenchman, Pierre Bechmann, and will be the second Australian to hold the position after Viscount Bruce of Melbourne in 1954.

Born in 1943, Sandy Dawson is a former Australian Universities Golf Champion and, from 1988 to 1993, he was Captain of Royal Sydney Golf Club where he has been Club President since 2010.

A former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Arnott’s, one of the largest food companies in the Asia Pacific region, he has held senior positions at a number of other companies. He was chairman of United Distillers (Australasia) and a director of Allied Mills, Goodman Fielder and the Darling Harbour Authority.

Mr Dawson lives in Sydney with his wife Jane and has three children and nine grandchildren. He plays to a handicap of four and is also a keen skier. He has been a Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews since 1974.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews holds a unique position in golf. Established in 1754, it evolved through two and a half centuries as a leading authority in the world game.

As the Club celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2004 it devolved responsibility for the administration of the Rules of Golf, the running of The Open Championship and other key events, and the development of the game in existing and emerging golfing nations, to a newly formed group of companies collectively known as The R&A.

As a separate entity The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews remains as a private golf club with a world-wide membership of 2,400.

Asia’s golf tourism industry will be gathering on China’s tropical island of Hainan next spring as the region’s most important golf tourism convention moves to award-winning golf resort Mission Hills Haikou.

The baton for the 3rd Asia Golf Tourism Convention was passed to China at a signing and hand-over ceremony on the final day of AGTC 2013, held at the Royal Cliff Hotel and PEACH Convention Centre in Thailand’s leading golf destination, Pattaya.

An agreement to host the event, which is organised by global golf tourism industry association IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), was signed by IAGTO President Peter Walton and Mission Hills Group Vice Chairman Tenniel Chu, who also signed on behalf of the Haikou government, the third partner in AGTC 2014, before exchanging gifts with Itthiphol Kunplome, Mayor of Pattaya City, to mark the official hand-over as host.

Addressing delegates, Tenniel Chu said: “It has always been Mission Hills’ vision to promote the goodwill through golf and we intend to advance with time and inspire happy, healthy and harmonious lifestyles and experiences for all. It was also a great opportunity to meet with business acquaintances, old friends and also the chance to make the new ones.”

Xie Jing, Vice Mayor of Haikou City, Hainan’s capital, commented: “It is a great honor that IAGTO has decided to move the 2014 Asian Golf Tourism Convention to Mission Hills Haikou, in China. This will have an enormous impact on Hainan’s strategy to develop as an international tourism Island. Hainan Island is situated in China’s tropical belt. As such it enjoys a wonderful tropical climate, with year round sunshine and fresh sea air. It really is a world class golfing destination.”

Sharing some statistics from the Mayor, Chu revealed that in 2011, Hainan Province saw more than 30 million tourist arrivals while tourism revenue grew 24% from the previous year to US$4.3 billion. In 2012, visitor numbers to the island exceeded 33 million, with travel revenue hitting US$6 billion.

“Hainan is on track to become one of the world’s leading tourist resort destinations by 2021” said Chu. He added: “With the conference taking place in Haikou, I am sure the international tour operators and service providers will enjoy and experience the exceptional services, unique lava rock golf courses and other fully-integrated facilities of Mission Hills Haikou.

“We believe that the conference will also serve to enhance Haikou's international reputation and will help further the city's goal of becoming the leading international destination of golf tourism.

AGTC delegates were also shown a presentation underlining the continuing growth of Mission Hills Haikou since its opening in 2010. Offering 10 courses set in a lava landscape as well as world largest Spa and Mineral Hot Spring resort accredited by Guinness World Records, the Resort will see the opening of the Lan Kwai Fong entertainment district at the end of the year, while future plans include the addition of Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance and Hard Rock hotels and the new Mission Hills • Huayi Brothers • Feng Xiaogang Movie-Themed Town.

IAGTO’s Peter Walton is also excited about Mission Hills Haikou hosting AGTC 2014. He said: “Last year, we took the inaugural AGTC to Malaysia with the intention of waking the sleeping giant that the country as a golf destination represents; the number of IAGTO golf tour operators selling Malaysia has increased by 40% in the subsequent 12 months.

“This year, AGTC was staged in Thailand, the strongest and most important golf destination of the Asia Pacific region, which attracted the attention of the golf tourism world with attendance increasing by 18%.

“Taking the 3rd AGTC to China in 2014 is an incredibly exciting step for IAGTO because in one fell swoop we will be able to showcase the fastest developing golf and tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific region while simultaneously introducing sellers from across the region to the largest-ever gathering of golf travel buyers from the world’s fastest-growing outbound tourism market – China.

“Mission Hills Haikou is the perfect venue for this event, representing as it does a complete golf destination in itself and the gateway to the international tourism island of Hainan with its enormous array of golf courses, topography and culture, all within a beautiful tropical setting.

“The buzz around the convention following the announcement of next year’s venue and destination for the 3rd AGTC was palpable and we are certain that it will surpass all expectations.”

AGTC 2014 takes place at Mission Hills Haikou from 31 March to 3 April, 2014.

The Venetian^® Macao-Resort-Hotel has confirmed its title sponsorship of the Venetian Macau Open for the second consecutive year, one of the most prestigious professional golf tournaments on the Asian Tour.

Jointly organised by Macau Sport Development Board of Macau SAR Government (MSDB) and Golf Association of Macau, the tournament is sanctioned by the latter and the Asian Tour, and promoted by IMG.

Taking place between October 17 to 20, 2013 at the picturesque Macau Golf & Country Club once again, the 15^th edition of the tournament boasts a total prize pool US$800,000, an increase of 6.25% compared to last year.

Live action across all four days of the Venetian Macau Open will be beamed on the Asian Tour television platform, which provided over 600 hours of coverage last year, reaching 850 million homes across the globe.

Vong Iao Lek, President of MSDB, is delighted with the return of The Venetian Macao as title sponsor of the tournament, and said:  “We are extremely pleased to be partnering The Venetian Macao for the second year in a row. The Venetian Macau Open has already established itself as one of the city’s top sporting highlights and over the past 15 years, it has successfully showcased to the world how Macau can play host to a top class international golf tournament. This year, we look forward to another exciting tournament with some of the world’s top players challenging for this coveted trophy.”

“We have had a long-term, fruitful working relationship with the Golf Association of Macau over this tournament and we hope to continue this for many years and to carry on showcasing to the world how Macau can play host to a top class international golf tournament”, added Vong.

Following a successful foray into the world of golf last year, The Venetian^® Macao is honoured to be associated with the event again, which was won by India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar last year. Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd said: “We are pleased to once again sponsor the Venetian Macau Open, one of the city’s most iconic annual sporting events. The Venetian^® Macao prides itself in world class sporting events; we look forward to supporting this tremendous event again this year and are committed to helping it become the best golf event on the Asian Tour. Hosting the tournament in Macau is an important part of the city’s position as a world centre of tourism and leisure.”

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han commented: “The return of The Venetian^® Macao as title sponsor is a true testament that the Macau Open is one of the key highlights on the Asian Tour calendar and that it provides a unique platform to showcase the best the city has to offer. Macau is already one of the top destinations in Asia for leisure and business travel, and the Venetian Macau Open plays an important role to showcase Macau’s ability to put on great sporting events. Some of the world’s biggest names in golf have participated here and we look forward to another world-class field this year.”

Grant Slack, IMG Senior Vice President, added: “The Venetian Macau Open is undoubtedly one of the key highlights on Macau’s sporting and social calendar and we are extremely pleased to once again have the opportunity promote this prestigious tournament. IMG is committed to working with the Macau Sport Development Board and The Venetian^® Macao to continue the growth of the Venetian Macau Open and showcase Macau as a top Asian destination for leisure and business travel. The tournament will once again be broadcasted live on the Asian Tour Media’s global television distribution platform, which will allow millions of viewers across the globe to see the best that the magnificent city of Macau has to offer.”

Sponsors joining The Venetian Macao in support of the tournament include Rolex and Bonaqua, as well as first time sponsors Maui Jim and Hong Kong Descente, which carries both the Le Coq Sportif Golf Collection and Munsingwear.

The Venetian Macau Open will once again be a free entry event for golf fans from around the world to enjoy live world class professional golf in one of the best loved destinations for leisure and business travel in Asia.

Since its inauguration in 1998, the tournament has been graced by the presence of some of the best golfers the world has ever seen, including Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Fred Couples, Ian Woosnam and Mark O’Meara.

For more details on the Venetian Macau Open, please visit www.thevenetianmacauopen.com

New Zealand Golf (NZG) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the New Zealand Maori Golf Association (NZMGA).

As part of the ‘Whole of Golf’ strategic approach developed by New Zealand Golf, the parties have identified a need to work closer together in a number of areas for the collective good of the sport.

The parties have identified two principal areas of strategic synergy which provide the basis for this new partnership:

1)      Each organisation has a desire to grow the participation of Maori golf players; and

2)      Each organisation has a desire to assist the development of talented young Maori golfers.

NZG has a vision of inspiring all New Zealanders to participate in the game of golf. The organisation believes that the love of golf provides New Zealanders with unique and lifelong enrichment. The NZMGA has a vision to revitalise, strengthen and enhance the cultural, social and economic well-being of whanau by enriching  their lives through organising and providing a fulfilling golfing experience, increasing participation and developing the game of golf among players.

The NZMGA believe this is an exciting partnership for Maori Golf in New Zealand.

They hope that this partnership will help create more players of the calibre of Michael Campbell and Phil Tataurangi in the future and put Maori Golf back on the map

Dean Murphy, the Chief Executive of New Zealand Golf, said this was an important step in developing Maori golf both at the elite and participant level.

“New Zealand Golf has a long and proud history of Maori golfers excelling on the world stage and this partnership is geared to further that success,” said Murphy.

“The likes of Michael Campbell and Phil Tataurangi have paved the way for Maori Golf in this country and we want to build on their success and create a partnership that develops future Maori champions.

“We will look to achieve this by providing greater opportunities for Maori golfers, greater exposure and support for the NZMGA events and assistance in reporting on the success on Maori golfers both on the national and international stage.” 

This new partnership features three core initiatives.

The first is providing more playing opportunities for Maori Golfers such as chance for NZ Maori Champions to play in the New Zealand Open Championships.

New Zealand Women’s Maori Champion Kate Chadwick played in the New Zealand Women’s Open at Clearwater in February and the New Zealand Men’s Maori Champion, Jordan Golding, will play in the next New Zealand Men’s Open Championship.

The NZMGA believe that this initiative will provide great opportunities for Maori players to play in tournaments of this significance and it is important step in their development.

The second new joint initiative outcome is a joint scholarship programme that will provide development opportunities for young Maori golfers. The parties recognise that there is an opportunity to utilize the expertise and programmes associated with the NZG High Performance programme to impact the development of young Maori golfers who may not have been able to access these types of programmes in the past. While there is a good number of young Maori players coming through the current programmes, the new scholarships will look to target up and coming players who are not yet engaged in the national programmes.

The third new initiative is a collaborative approach to an enhanced communication strategy for the NZMGA. All of the results from NZMGA events will go to the network of media and stakeholders of New Zealand Golf. This is promoting the profile for Maori players and will be a great asset for Maori golfers in NZ.

In general, this new partnership will also see NZMGA and NZG sharing ideas and working together for common strategic goals as the ‘Whole of Golf’ approach is employed.

NZG and the NZMGA want to build a partnership that is for the benefit of golf and believe that this new agreement is a very positive step for the game in New Zealand.

The internationally recognised Special Collections of the University of St Andrews, Scotland, including its extensive collections of golf photography, are to benefit from the support of Mission Hills Group in China, the world’s largest golf facility.

Missions Hills is strengthening its ties with Scotland by supporting the 600th Anniversary celebrations of St Andrews, founded in 1413.

Mission Hills Group has already committed a six-figure sum to fund the development of St Andrews’ Special Collections, which include extensive golf photography archives covering the development of golf from the 19th century onwards, including the Lawrence Levy collection of more than 250,000 images. The University is currently fundraising to make these treasures more accessible with the creation of museum-quality display space, secure storage facilities, and dedicated teaching rooms.

Meanwhile in China plans are being developed for a Golf Museum to commemorate the legacy of David Chu, considered by many "the father of golf in China" and the founder of Mission Hills Group. The University of St Andrews and Mission Hills will collaborate on displays for the new museum.

St Andrews and Mission Hills will also work to strengthen Scottish-Sino links during the University’s 600th Anniversary Golf Tournament being held this summer, and will promote academic ties through scholarships for Chinese and Scottish exchange students. Mission Hills is the first golf club around the world to partner with the University of St Andrews during its 600th Anniversary.

St Andrews Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Louise Richardson said: “Scotland and China – notwithstanding the extraordinary difference in scale - share a centuries-old passion for golf and an enduring commitment to the value of education. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Mission Hills Group to preserve the heritage of the game here in St Andrews and in China.”

“We hope that our joint enterprise will not only strengthen cultural connections, but allow scholars, golfers, and the public in both our countries to explore the history and heritage of golf.”   

Mission Hills will also play a key part in the University’s 600th Anniversary Golf Tournament - the St Andrews 600. The friendly competition will incorporate rounds of golf on The Duke's, Kingsbarns Golf Links and the Old Course from June 21 - 23, 2013. Competitors will include St Andrews alumni, donors, friends and corporate supporters and the event is designed to raise funds for university teaching and research in St Andrews.

Tenniel Chu, Vice Chairman of Mission Hills Group which has played host to more than 100 international tournaments, will bring his golf management expertise to Scotland as Honorary Vice-Chairman of the 600th Anniversary Golf Tournament.

He said:  “It’s a great honour for Mission Hills to be the only golf club in China to be partnering with the University of St Andrews. We are dedicated to promoting golf development around the world and with golf’s return to the Olympics and China’s potential to be the world’s largest golfing market, our association with St Andrews University and their extensive golf archive within their Special Collections is a very special partnership for us with great potential.”

St Andrews 600 Tournament Director, Professor Andy Mackenzie said: "The University is delighted that Mr. Chu has agreed to accept the role of Honorary Vice-Chairman of The St Andrews 600. It is a true honour to have someone of his standing, and who has achieved so much in terms of growing the game, lending his name to our efforts.”

To make sure the bonds between St Andrews and Mission Hills are strong and long-lasting, the Group is also keen to build educational links, and to encourage further collaboration and understanding through future generations of scholars. The University of St Andrews and Mission Hills Group hope to work together to develop scholarship opportunities to give St Andrews students the chance to study in China and join the graduate intern programme at Mission Hills and to encourage Chinese students to study at Scotland’s first University.

The St Andrews 600 Tournament is part of the University of St Andrews’ 600th Anniversary Campaign to raise ￡100m for university projects.  For further information go to: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/600/campaign/